Wednesday, 23 November 2011

Tatty's Racing Tips - Wednesday 23rd November 2011

Good morning everyone.

You may have noticed that most of my discussions are concerned with races on the flat (and all-weather). As much as I love watching National Hunt racing, I generally try to keep my investing opportunities to "on the level" only. My Dad always held the opinion that “these fences and hurdles get in the way of a damn good race”, and when my selection falls or unseats its rider, I can see where he was coming from.

On to today’s fayre, we have a varied selection of racing, with jump meetings at Wetherby, Fontwell Park and over the sea at Cork, along with 2 all-weather flat meetings, at Lingfield Park and early evening under the lights at Kempton Park, making up a fairly busy day.

The best flat race of the day is the listed Class 1 “ComeTo Kempton on Boxing Day, Hyde Stakes” at 6.35 With a declared card of 14, containing some quite decent animals, it certainly isn’t easy to pick a winner. I like the look of Derek Shaw’s LOYALTY who, even though is taking a raise in grade, may well be good enough to find the frame. Sir Mark Prescott’s Clinical, going for a 4-timer, looks to be the one to beat however.RESULT: Was never quite up with it to be honest. Ended in 7th place, about 4-5 lengths back.

Earlier at 5.05, the red hot team of trainer Hans Adielsson and jockey Nicole Nordblad are represented by 4 year old gelding SAND SKIER. Back in distance to a mile and a quarter, this may well be his best opportunity to prevail since his last win back in September 2009.

Swede Nicole has burst on to the all-weather scene recently and has impressed many of us old race watchers, especially with her superb reading of pace in a race. She is certainly one to keep an eye on for the future, that’s for sure.RESULT: A blanket finish with SAND SKIER coming 5th only a length or so back after seeming to take a wide route around the bend. Went off as 7/4 favourite and worth keeping in the notebook.

Last of all, one to lay. Over at Lingfield Park (1.05), we have a competitive 6 furlong handicap. TRIPLE CHARM from Jeremy Noseda’s yard, goes up into handicap company for the 1st time after winning her maiden at Windsor last month. From a stable that is not particularly firing at present, she certainly has the scope for improvement, but I think there will be at least one too good for her today.RESULT: Whoops! I'll hold my hands up, got it totally wrong - sorry!